We have measured what people watch, buy, and listen to for decades.

We launched our radio measurement service in 1942, and began measuring television audiences in 1950. Much of our knowledge and data comes directly from consumers themselves, via Nielsen Families. Nielsen Families are the key to our data’s authenticity, and we offer consumers a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback about their shopping and media use, some of which you may have already heard about.

The opinions and experiences of all Nielsen panelists, including Nielsen Families, enrich our view of the marketplace and ensure that our research accurately reflects consumers' shopping and media habits.

You may be, or have already been, invited to be a part of Nielsen research, and we encourage you to accept our invitation.

What exactly are the TV Ratings?

Many people are familiar with Nielsen because of our TV Ratings. TV Ratings play a significant role because they tell the media and advertising communities how many people watched a specific program—key information for everyone from brands to advertisers to television networks.

In its most basic sense, a TV Rating is the percentage of a specific population that watched a particular piece of content or ad. In the television realm, this can be anything from a network comedy to a sports telecast to a news network during a given time.

Why should my family be a Nielsen Family?

By becoming a Nielsen Family, you are able to…

Have your voice heard and represent your community in the TV Ratings.

When you become a Nielsen Family, your participation helps the media and advertising communities know which programs you and people like you watch.

Keep your information confidential.

Your participation as a Nielsen Family is confidential, and no one is identified in the TV Ratings.

Receive our thanks.

Being a Nielsen Family costs you nothing! In fact, as a thank you, you’ll receive gifts for your continued participation in the Nielsen TV Ratings.

We value your contribution, and we protect your privacy.

Our analysis and insights help to inform the decision-making processes of brands and content providers as well as the research activities of universities, and more. Your participation is important to these organizations and their role as influencers and drivers of the consumer experience.

We value your contribution, and we protect your privacy. Nielsen will never use your personally identifiable information to advertise, promote or market third-party goods or services to you. We will not license, publish or sell any information we collect from you that can be tied to an individual user such as your name, email address, postal address, etc.

How and why was my home selected?

Homes are scientifically selected to be representative of cities across the United States. First, a county within a state is selected. Next, within that county, a group of block areas are chosen. Specially selected homes within that block area are then contacted to participate as Nielsen Families.

The Nielsen Process

Strictly through chance. We cannot ask every home to participate, so we carefully select a sample of homes in your community to represent the entire TV audience. To be statistically accurate, it is essential that our samples be randomly selected. Every household in the U.S. has a chance of being selected, no matter where it is located.

TO JOIN OUR TV PANEL

Yes, the envelope may have contained either a short survey about television viewing that we would like you to complete and return in the postage-paid envelope, or the envelope may have contained a letter inviting you to participate in the Nielsen television ratings.

Our Field Representatives are highly trained professionals who want the chance to tell you about the exciting opportunity to participate in the Nielsen ratings. All of our Representatives carry a Nielsen photo ID badge to identify them. If you are unsure about the person at your door, you may call us at 1-800-237-6493.

ESPECIALLY FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Your family was selected to participate in the Nielsen TV Panel. Even though you are currently living away from home you are still part of the family. It is important for you to continue your normal viewing and have it taken into account. Our Nielsen TV Ratings information lets TV, cable networks and local TV stations know how their programming is doing.

Your information is transmitted directly to our servers and not shared with other panelists. Keeping your viewing information confidential is very important to us; we do not disclose any personal data collected.